The typical perspective in academic writing is objective and impersonal, primarily utilizing the third-person point of view to focus on the subject matter and evidence.
Understanding Perspective in Academic Writing
Perspective in writing refers to the viewpoint from which information is presented. In academic contexts, the goal is often to convey information, analyze concepts, and present arguments based on research and evidence rather than personal opinion or subjective experience.
The Standard Approach: Objectivity
Academic writing strives for objectivity. This means presenting information and arguments in a way that is unbiased and focused on observable facts, data, and logical reasoning. The writer's personal feelings or beliefs are generally minimized or removed entirely.
This pursuit of objectivity significantly influences the choice of point of view.
The Role of the Third-Person Point of View
A key characteristic of academic writing, as noted in conventions, is the preference for the third-person point of view. This involves using pronouns such as he, she, it, they, or referring directly to nouns (e.g., the study, the data, the author, researchers).
- Why avoid first-person? As indicated in the provided information, academic writing often requires us to avoid first-person point of view in favor of third-person point of view, because the third-person "can be more objective and convincing." Using "I" or "we" can sometimes make a statement seem like a personal opinion rather than a conclusion drawn from evidence or analysis.
Examples of Perspective Shift
Consider how removing the explicit first-person perspective can strengthen a statement, making it sound more like a factual observation or a reasoned conclusion based on the subject.
| First-Person (Less Common in Formal Academic Writing) | Third-Person (Common in Formal Academic Writing) |
|---|---|
| I think the author is very convincing. | The author is very convincing. |
| In my opinion, the results are significant. | The results are significant. |
| We found that the hypothesis was supported. | The study found that the hypothesis was supported. |
| I believe this theory explains the phenomenon. | This theory explains the phenomenon. |
Taking out "I" often makes a stronger statement or claim by placing the focus squarely on the subject being discussed (the author, the results, the theory) rather than on the writer's personal thought process or feeling.
When is First-Person Acceptable?
While third-person is the norm, some academic disciplines or types of assignments (like reflective essays, personal narratives in specific fields, or introductions stating the scope of your paper) may permit or even require limited use of the first person. Always check the specific guidelines for your course or publication.
However, the general principle remains: the dominant perspective in academic writing is one that prioritizes the subject, evidence, and analysis over the writer's explicit personal presence, largely achieved through the consistent use of the third-person point of view.
